Benue Youths Flood Makurdi Streets, Demand Justice After Deadly Herdsmen Attacks

Hundreds of youths in Makurdi, Benue State, took to the streets on Sunday in a powerful protest against the escalating killings by suspected armed herdsmen, especially following Saturday’s brutal massacre in Guma Local Government Area.

Dressed mostly in black and carrying palm fronds and placards with slogans like “Enough is Enough” and “Benue Lives Matter,” the demonstrators converged at Wurukum Roundabout, blocking major roads and bringing the city to a standstill.

The protest was fueled by reports that over 200 people, including security personnel, were killed in attacks on Yelwata and Daudu towns. The youths demanded urgent action from both state and federal authorities to stop the violence.

Tensions peaked when Benue State Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, attempted to address the crowd but was booed and rejected by angry protesters who insisted he visit the massacre site instead of speaking in the capital. His retreat was soon followed by police firing tear gas, causing chaos and injuring several demonstrators in the ensuing stampede.

Sunday’s rally reflects deep frustration with the government’s perceived failure to protect vulnerable rural communities from recurring violence, raising urgent calls for justice and stronger security measures in Benue State.